Running is not just a physical activity for Sutton High senior standout Jessie Cardin — it's a passion.

"I don't think anything equals to running," said the 17-year-old Cardin, a five-time T&G Super Team All-Star and last year's Hometeam Runner of the Year. "I do it a lot. I wouldn't be the person I am without running. I love it so much. I guess it's just the freedom of it.

"As long as your legs are working and you have a pair of shoes, you can go anywhere."

Cardin's cross-country résumé is quite impressive.

After finishing second in 17:13.3 at last year's Central Mass. Division 2 championships at Gardner Municipal Golf Course, she placed sixth in 19:15.61 at the Division 2 state championships at Northfield Mountain.

During the regular season, Cardin went undefeated in dual meets, came in second at the MSTCA Invitational, third at the Baystate Invitational, and fourth at the Ocean State Invitational before capturing her second straight Dual Valley Conference individual championship to lead the Suzies to the team title.

Cardin also owns the record at Sutton's 5K home course at hilly Shaw Farm (18:59).

"I love my course," she said.

A National Honor Society student, Cardin was crowned CMass champion two years ago. Her sister, Rachael, was a standout runner at Sutton and Westfield State, where she graduated last spring.

Cardin, one of four siblings, credits her family and religion for her success.

She most admires her mother, Joan, a former harrier in high school who has taken up running again. Her youngest brother, Joe, runs for the Sutton Middle School team.

Rachael, who was Westfield State's 2013 Senior Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year award by the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, has been around to help out at some of the Suzies' practices.

"(Running) is part of my family," Cardin said. "My mother is the most prominent person in my life. I admire all my family members. They're the most important people in my life. Every time I get out for a run, I feel like it's my first run. I want people to know I believe I'm a Christian. I believe I was born with a gift and I need to use it to glorify God."

Sutton coach Bill Gillin said Cardin is admired and well respected by her peers.

"She's pretty exemplary given her talent and work ethic and what she's done on the track," said Gillin, who is in his 16th season. "She's kind of a consummate teammate. She's a very coachable athlete. She leads by this quiet example. She's quietly encouraging others. She enjoys running and she has fun with it. She's very self-motivated. She doesn't need me to set her goals."

Cardin, a member of the school's Theater Club, plans to attend either Westfield State, Brown, Keene State, Utica, or Fitchburg State.

She wants to become a teacher in elementary education. The college she goes to, however, must have a drama program.

"I want to stick with that — I love it," said Cardin, who would like to minor in biology or chemistry.

Of course, like Rachael, Jessie hopes to make a name for herself no matter where she winds up. Her strength is her endurance and that should bode well for her at the next level.

"I really have a good kick at the end of a race," said Cardin, who actually accelerates going uphill when others tend to slow down. "I have a long kick. I always make sure to keep my form when finishing. I have a lot of muscle in my legs. I'm not a big person, but I'm a strong person."

"She's a real student of (running) in terms of trying to learn," Gillin said. "She's very focused and very willing to train."

Cardin's personal goals are again to become the CMass champion and make it to All-States, but this time compete with her teammates at Northfield Mountain's 3.1-mile course. The Suzies just missed qualifying last year.

"I just kind of roll with whatever happens," said Cardin, who doesn't worry about things she can't control. "Every year around states, I get sick for some reason — at least I have the past three years. I don't know what it is. Last year, I had a cold. (Running) makes me realize it's not a right, it's a privilege. I've always reminded myself of that. (Last year) I did the best I could."

Sutton opens its season Tuesday when it hosts DVC rival Nipmuc Regional.

Contact Steve Farley at sports@telegram.com.

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